Town Manager's Newsletter

Town of Chelmsford

March 2026

• Mar. 1 Dog License Late Fees Begin
• Mar. 4 Concert at MacKay
• Mar. 7 Ranting Parents Comedy Show
• Mar. 12 Sharps Drop‑Off
• Mar. 14 Janelle’s Dirty Basement Birthday Show
• Mar. 19 Parker School Community Forum

• Mar. 20-22 From Heartbreak to Hilarity Play
• Mar. 22 Polar Plunge, Compost and Rain Barrel Deadline, Film Screening: Plastic People
• Mar. 28 Elvis Tribute
• Mar. 28 Volunteer Fair
• Apr. 1 Battery and Bulb Shed Open
• Apr. 7 Local Election

Town Manager Paul Cohen has released the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budgets for the Town of Chelmsford. The spending plan includes a $176.4 million operating budget and a $6.4 million capital improvement plan, both developed within the limits of Proposition 2½, anticipated State Aid, and projected local revenues.

The FY27 operating budget provides targeted increases across the community’s major service areas. Funding for the Chelmsford Public Schools would rise by $2.5 million (3.3%), bringing the total school budget to $78.15 million. The Nashoba Valley Technical School District would see an increase of $263,000 (6.5%) for a total of $4.32 million. The General Government budget is proposed to increase by $1.25 million (3.2%), reaching $40.1 million.

Rising employee benefit costs remain a significant budget driver. A 7.88% increase in health insurance premiums brings total funding for benefits and insurance to $38.8 million in FY27.



Residents are encouraged to review the full budget documents and learn more about the Town’s financial planning for the year ahead. 

Temporary Fire Station Closures

The West Chelmsford Fire Station located at 260 Old Westford Road (Roberts Field) and the South Chelmsford Fire Station located at 295 Acton Road will be closed on March 31 to allow for the demolition of the structures and for the construction of new fire stations. The firefighting personnel and apparatus will be relocated to the Fire Department Headquarters and to the North Fire Station during the 18-month construction period.  

Next Parker Middle School Building Project Community Forum

Be part of shaping the future of education in Chelmsford. The next community forum for the Parker School Middle School Building Project will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Elks Lodge, 300 Littleton Road.

This forum will explore key decisions that will guide the project’s direction, including:

• Grade configuration options for a new middle school
• Whether the project should pursue new construction or a renovation and expansion of the existing facility

Your voice matters. Join the conversation and help inform the schematic design of a modern, forward-looking school that will meet the educational needs of students today and for generations to come.

We encourage all community members to attend and contribute to this important planning process.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee Appointment

The Chelmsford Select Board and School Committee will meet at 6:00 PM on March 30 to appoint one representative to the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee for a 3-year term ending March 31, 2029. Applications are available on the Town website at www.chelmsfordma.gov. 

Applications should be forwarded to the Town Manager’s Office, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 by 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24.

Volunteer Recognition at the March 28 Volunteer Fair

The Select Board will recognize the contributions of the many volunteers who serve the Town by providing a reception at the March 28 volunteer fair at the Senior Center, 75 Groton Road. This will be highlighted by a brief ceremony at 2:00 PM to present a recognition for outstanding volunteerism to a few individuals. 

Select Board Signs Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant

The Select Board has signed a 36-Article Warrant for the April 27 Spring Annual Town Meeting. Representative Town Meeting Voters will be asked to approve the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budgets for the Chelmsford Public Schools, General Government, and the Nashoba Valley Technical School District.

The Town’s proposed $6.4M capital improvement plan includes $1M to replace a section of the high school roof, $850K to replace the HVAC system at the Adams Library building, $650K to replace the HVAC system at the police station, and $700K to resurface the Byam Elementary School parking lot.

The Representatives will also consider seven proposed amendments to the Town’s zoning bylaws. Click the button below to view a copy of the Spring Annual Town Meeting Warrant.

Karl Bischoff

Conservation Commission Chair Karl Bischoff has served on the Commission since 2019. From the outset, through attendance at professional educational conferences and workshops offered by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, various State and municipal agencies, and private non-profit organizations, Karl devoted himself passionately and wholeheartedly to learning about the many diverse and varied facets of the civic and legal responsibilities conveyed to Conservation Commissions by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of Chelmsford.

He implemented the knowledge he gained from these events to quickly make substantive and meaningful contributions to the Conservation Commission’s legal obligation to administer and enforce State and Chelmsford laws protecting wetlands. He also demonstrated capable leadership in effectively re-organizing the Commission’s stewardship and management of hundreds of acres of public lands under its care and control, giving the same high priority to providing for both the enjoyment of the visitors to these properties and to the protection and enhancement of the properties’ ecological attributes.

Elected Chair of the Conservation Commission in July 2024, Karl conducted public meetings with great skill, sometimes amid tense proceedings involved with controversial development projects. It should also be noted that Karl has served as an elected Town Meeting Representative since July 2021 and member of the Community Preservation Committee since July 2022, voting in both capacities to approve the purchases of several large parcels to be protected forever as undeveloped open space.

As Karl prepares to relocate from Chelmsford this spring, he does so after years of dedicated service to the Town. From his work on both the Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee, Karl will leave a distinguished permanent legacy for the Town of Chelmsford.

The Planning Board will next meet on March 11 in Room 204 of Town Offices at 7:00 PM. A continued public hearing for 191-195 Riverneck Road will take place. This project proposes a three-lot industrial subdivision per the Planning Board’s Subdivision Control Regulations. The Planning Board will also meet on March 25.

The Conservation Commission will next meet on March 10 and March 24.

The posted agendas for these meetings will be available on the agenda center of the Town’s website.

Planting Native Species: Every Yard Counts!

When it comes to lawn care, wouldn’t you rather do less work? Imagine a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sustainable yard that requires no fertilizer and minimal watering, while saving you time and money.

Planting native species of plants and shrubs is the answer. Native plants thrive in our local soil and climate. They provide essential food and shelter for pollinators and birds, support biodiversity, and improve overall ecological health. Their deep root systems help reduce runoff, prevent soil erosion, and strengthen the landscape naturally.

The good news? This is totally doable. Even a single garden can become part of a larger living network that helps nature thrive. By choosing native plants, you’re not only simplifying your yard maintenance, you’re also contributing to meaningful solutions for the biodiversity crisis.

Not sure where to start? The Homegrown National Park website makes it easy. This excellent site helps you find native plants recommended for your region and shows you where to purchase them.

If you’d like a list of local nurseries that sell native plants, please contact Conservation Agent David Koonce at 978-250-5231 (option 2).

Chelmsford Police Take the Polar Plunge for Make‑A‑Wish

The Chelmsford Police Department is proud to take part in the Polar Plunge to benefit Make‑A‑Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This meaningful event brings together police departments from across the region, all braving the icy waters to help grant life‑changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

The Polar Plunge will take place on Sunday, March 22 at Short Beach in Nahant. For more details, please view the event Facebook post. Community members are encouraged to come out, cheer on local officers, and support this incredible cause.

To help raise funds, the Chelmsford Police Department is offering limited‑edition Polar Plunge patches for $20 each, with all proceeds benefiting Make‑A‑Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Patches are available for purchase online and at the event.

Every patch purchased and every donation made helps bring hope, strength, and joy to children and families when they need it most. Come support a great cause and cheer on your local officers as they take the plunge for a reason that truly matters.

Buy a patch. Support a wish. See you at the plunge!

2026 Paving and Sidewalk Program

The DPW will present the Town’s 2026 Roadway and Sidewalk Program to the Select Board on March 9. This year’s pavement program totals approximately 9.9 miles of roadway with an estimated construction value of $3.6 million. This program is funded through capital funds, 2026 free cash allocations, and Ch. 90 (state funding) allotments.

Microsealing is a preventative maintenance application, much like sealing a driveway, that extends the life of the pavement or need for repair by approximately 3-8 years with the application of a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, water, and aggregate over the existing pavement surface.

Mill and overlay restoration includes removal of the top 2” of asphalt and replacing with a new 2” asphalt course.

Pavement reclamation is the most extensive type of pavement rehabilitation since it is rehabilitating both the pavement layers and the subbase soil course. During pavement reclamation, asphalt is pulverized with a roadway reclaimer machine, which grinds both the existing pavement and subbase material into a recycled layer that becomes a subbase material. This newly restored subbase material is topped with both a base and top layer of asphalt.

Below is the current list of streets that the DPW plans to rehabilitate this 2026 Construction season (April – October). Treatments include microsealing, mill and overlay, and pavement reclamation.

• Albina Street - Gorham Street to Carlisle Street, Microsealing
• Amble Road - Trotting Road to Canter Road, Mill and Overlay
• Amble Road - Canter Road to Rack Road, Reclamation
• Chestnut Hill Road - Galloway Road to Amble Road, Reclamation
• Clarissa Road - Janet Road to Fisher Road, Reclamation
• Colonial Drive - North Road to Dead End, Reclamation
• Colonial Terrace - Colonial Drive (E) to Colonial Drive (W), Reclamation
• Cypress Street - Dalton Road to Woodbine Street, Mill and Overlay
• Edgelawn Avenue - Richarson Avenue to Marose Avenue, Mill and Overlay
• Etta Street - Algonquin Road to Judith Road, Mill and Overlay
• Field Street - Dalton Road to Erlin Road, Mill and Overlay
• Galloway Road - Town Line to Pine Hill Road, Reclamation
• Gelding Road - Whipple Tree Road to Chestnut Hill Road, Mill and Overlay
• Juniper Street - Dalton Road to Woodbine Street, Mill and Overlay
• Kristin Drive - Kristin Drive Extension to Cul de Sac, Mill and Overlay
• Kristin Drive Extension - Kristin Drive to Cul de Sac, Mill and Overlay
• Latch Road - Northgate Road to Cul de Sac, Mill and Overlay
• Mission Road - Glendale Road to Town Line, Mill and Overlay
• Moccasin Lane - Graniteville Road to Cul de Sac, Mill and Overlay
• Moore Street - Brick Kiln Road to Shedd Lane, Microsealing
• Northgate Road - North Road to Hemlock Drive, Mill and Overlay
• Proctor Road - Acton Road to Town Line, Reclamation
• Shedd Lane - Marshall Street to Moore Street, Microsealing
• Sierra Drive - Old State Road to Farley Brook Road, Mill and Overlay
• Southgate Road - North Road to Hemlock Drive, Mill and Overlay
• Tadmuck Road - Littleton Road to Town Line, Reclamation
• Tuttle Road - Concord Road to Proctor Road, Microsealing
• Twiss Road - Main Street to Dead End, Reclamation

Cold Weather Building Protection Coverage: January and February 2026

The Town, as well as the region, has experienced a significant winter in terms of the number of snow and ice events and zero-degree weather events. These zero-degree or near zero-degree events can result in pipe bursts within buildings, which can have a substantial financial and scheduling impact to both the Town and School operations. The DPW Facilities Division implemented a two-faceted approach to mitigate the potential for frozen pipes and/or pipe bursts within both School and Town buildings ahead of any anticipated severe cold weather events.

The first measure was implemented through the automated building controls by placing all the HVAC units in Town and School Buildings into a “zero-degree” schedule, which automatically closes outdoor air dampers to a minimum position, limiting the amount of cold air entering units and passing over heating water coils. Select units in potentially problematic areas, in particular at McCarthy School and Chelmsford High School, were adjusted via the building automated controls to remain in occupied mode for the duration of the weekend/cold temperatures to maintain a continuous flow of hot water through the coils and mitigating any chance of frozen piping or mechanical systems. Fans were adjusted to avoid overheating the space while maintaining the hot water flow. 

The second measure included the Facilities staff monitoring each unoccupied Town and School building by periodically walking all building spaces. Room temperatures were checked for any concerns and water fixtures were run to ensure free of any freeze ups. Base cabinets at sink units were also left open to allow room temperature air into cabinets at building perimeter. Discovered issues were addressed with collaboration between field staff and the remote automated monitoring system, already in place on weekends for the winter months.

Frozen pipes: Approximately six frozen pipes/coils and two non-functioning unit vent motors were encountered during three separate weekend visits in January and February. Many of the frozen locations identified were thawed out with an “ice breaker” device which applies electric current to a section of pipe to apply heat and thaw the frozen blockage (see diagram). In all cases of frozen pipes or coils, the frozen sections were able to be thawed and restored to functionality without rupture of the pipe or coil.  DPW believes the early detection afforded by the focused presence on site allowed these freeze ups to be addressed before causing any mechanical failures, which avoided both costly and time consuming HVAC repairs or buildings repairs.  

Pre-Order Now to Save on Compost Bins and Rain Barrels

The Town is offering Chelmsford residents a fantastic opportunity to save on compost bins and rain barrels through a special pre-order sale! Compost bins are available for just $25 (regularly $100), and rain barrels are offered at $70 (regularly $120).

By purchasing these items, you'll be able to reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance the health of your garden. Composting not only helps create nutrient-rich soil but also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting healthier plants while reducing landfill waste. Rain barrels allow you to capture rainwater, which can lower your water bill, reduce runoff, and improve your soil’s pH balance for better plant growth.

Pick up your orders on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chelmsford DPW, 9 Alpha Road (side entrance on Tracy Road). The pre-order deadline is March 22. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to make a positive environmental impact!

Battery and Bulb Shed Reopens April 1

The battery and bulb shed, located behind Town Offices at 50 Billerica Road, will reopen for the season on April 1. The shed will be open on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, April through November.

The following Items are accepted:

• Rechargeable batteries: lithium (Li-ion), NiCd, NiMH
• Printer Cartridges
• Mercury products, including:
• Fluorescent, CFL and neon bulbs
• Button batteries
• Mercury thermometers (silver liquid) and thermostats
• Blood pressure cuffs
• Electrical switches
• Printer cartridges

Household Hazardous Waste Day April 25

Save the date! Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off will take place on Saturday, April 25 at the DPW, 9 Alpha Road, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

For a list of accepted items, see page 3 of the Annual Recycling and Solid Waste Flyer.

String Light Recycling Success

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Town’s string light recycling program. We successfully collected just under 1,000 pounds of string lights for recycling! These materials will now be responsibly broken down and processed, keeping waste out of the landfill and supporting our community’s sustainability goals.

Watch for more information on this program next season!

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills

2026 motor vehicle excise tax bills were mailed to vehicle owners on February 20. The State-established tax rate of $25 per $1,000 of a vehicle’s value is uniform across the Commonwealth.

A vehicle’s value for excise tax purposes is not based on the purchase price, book value, or condition. Instead, the vehicle’s value is based on the manufacturers’ list price as determined by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). The value is set at 90% of the manufacturers’ list price in the year of its manufacture. In each of the following years, a vehicle’s value is depreciated at a schedule of 60%, 40%, 25%, and 10% each year thereafter. This means that when a vehicle’s age reaches five years, the value will not depreciate any further for excise tax calculation. 

Under State Law, the Town of Chelmsford must use the billing information from the RMV’s database as of January 1, 2026 . Motor vehicle excise tax bills issued Feb. 20 are due March 23, 2026.

If you have questions regarding tax payment, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 978-250-5210. If you do not receive a motor vehicle excise tax bill by February 27 or if you sold or traded a vehicle and need information concerning abatements, please contact the Assessors’ Office at 978-250-5220.

Companion Respite Program

Do you care for a senior loved one but need a little time for yourself to do your own errands or hobbies? Or are you a senior living alone but would like some company once or twice a week? The Chelmsford Senior Center’s Companion Respite Program allows family caregivers the freedom to do errands, grocery shop, visit with a friend, get a haircut, etc. while your loved one receives the one-on-one attention of a caring companion. Our companions provide social interaction in the form of conversation, games & puzzles, trivia, news-of-the-day, light exercise, hobbies, neighborhood walking, and more, all while providing a safe environment.

• Covering Chelmsford, Westford, Dracut, Carlisle, Tewksbury & Tyngsboro
• Work reference & CORI background checks are done on all companions
• Visits are scheduled for the same day and time each week
• Cost is $19.00/hr. for Chelmsford residents, $20.00/hr. for residents in towns abutting Chelmsford, 2-hour minimum visit
• In-home visits only, companions do not drive clients

Contact April Hunt for more information at 978-788-6174 or email ahunt@chelmsfordma.gov.

Upcoming Elections

Mark your calendars! There are three elections scheduled in 2026. 

Vote by Mail will be available for all elections, in addition to In Person Early Voting for state elections. Dates for In Person Early Voting will be announced once confirmed.

• Local Election - April 7, 2026
• Last Day to Register to Vote: March 27^th @ 5PM
• Last Day to Request a Mailed Ballot: March 31^st @ 5PM

• State Primary - September 1, 2026

• State Election - November 3, 2026

2026 Dog Licensing

Late fees will be in effect as of March 1. $5 per month will be added to the initial tag fee through June 1.

Every 2025 dog license expired December 31. Licensing for 2026 began on December 1.

The license fee is $20 for a spayed/neutered dog or $25 if unaltered. Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccination is required to license; please provide a rabies certificate at the time of licensing.

Renewals: Previously licensed dogs can renew online, by mail, or in the town clerk’s office.

New dogs: Register by mail with a check or in the town clerk’s office.

Late fees go into effect starting on March 1. $5 per month will be added on to the initial tag fee through June 1. Citations go into effect starting on June 15. Each citation adds an extra $50 on top of the original tag cost and any late fees.

Citations go into effect starting on June 15. Citations are an additional $50 to the initial tag and late fees.

Click the button below for more information and links to online license renewal and mail application.

Annual Town Census

The 2026 Annual Town Census was mailed to every household in early January. Participating in the town census keeps our voting list up to date. Returning your town census keeps you ACTIVE on the voting list and eliminates the need to step out of line at the polls to sign an affirmation that you still live at that address. Even if you are not a registered voter, responding to the census will ensure that the Town Clerk’s Office can provide you with proof of residency. An accurate count of residents in Chelmsford assists in providing better municipal services.

Online Response: You can respond online if there are no changes to your census form! Your form has your household’s ID# on it with a link to respond online if you have no changes. If you have changes, mark them on the form, sign, and return to the Town Clerk’s Office.

Donations of New Baby Items Needed

Our community has always shown remarkable kindness, and once again, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. The Chelmsford, Billerica, Tewksbury, and Tyngsboro Health Departments are partnering to support new and expecting families by providing essential baby items, resources, and vendor services—all in one welcoming space during the upcoming “It Takes a Village” Community Gathering on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Old Town Hall, 10 Kendall Road, Tyngsborough.

To ensure every family who attends feels supported, we are seeking donations of new baby items. Your generosity will help ease the financial burden many new parents face and strengthen the network of care within our community.

Requested Donation Items (New Only):

• Onesies (newborn–24 months)
• Sleep sacks
• Teething toys
• Diapers and wipes
• Pacifiers
• Baby books
• Baby blankets
• Hand‑knit baby items
• Hand sanitizer

Items may be dropped off at:

• Chelmsford Town Offices, 50 Billerica Road
• Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road
• Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Road 

Every donated item, large or small, helps provide comfort, safety, and support for families welcoming little ones into the world.

If you have questions, please contact the Chelmsford Health Department at (978) 250‑5241.

Thank you for your continued compassion and commitment to our community. Together, we can help our newest neighbors get off to a strong start.

Sharps Drop‑off Days Have Moved from Mondays to Thursdays

Chelmsford’s Medical Sharps Waste Drop‑Off Program has moved from Mondays to Thursdays to align with the new waste management schedule. See updated collection dates below.

Chelmsford Health Department, 50 Billerica Road, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

• March 12
• June 11
• September 10
• December 10

Accepted items include needles, syringes, lancets, auto‑injectors, injection pens, infusion sets, and connection needles/sets.

• Use a rigid plastic container with a secure lid (e.g., detergent or bleach bottle, plastic coffee container, or approved sharps container)
• Tape container lids securely
• Containers should be at least ¾ full before drop‑off
• No registration required
• Chelmsford residents only

Proper disposal prevents injuries, protects sanitation workers, and complies with state law.

Colorectal Cancer Awareness: Why Early Detection Matters

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers. Routine screening, recommended starting at age 45 for those at average risk, remains the best tool for early detection. Symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue lasting more than two weeks should prompt medical evaluation.

Recent losses have brought renewed attention to this disease. Actor James Van Der Beek died in February 2026 at age 48 after a diagnosis in 2023, highlighting rising cases among adults under 50. Catherine O’Hara also passed away this year, with rectal cancer contributing to her death. Earlier, Chadwick Boseman’s 2020 death underscored that colorectal cancer can affect even young, healthy individuals.

These stories remind us that early detection saves lives. Getting screened, knowing the symptoms, and encouraging loved ones to do the same can make a lifesaving difference.